"Black Joe/Joel" Adkins - early 1800s

I am looking for information on my ggg-grandfather.His name shows up on gg-grandfather's death cert as Joe Adkins but have been told he went by "Black Joe/Joel".He was married to Susie/Susan/Susanna.They had a son named John Wesley Adkins (gg-grandfather) b. 1846-48. Anyone who has heard of this person or has any information I would really appreciate your help.Can't seem to locate anything on him.